{"title":"Jennifer Beck","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJennifer Beck\u003c\/strong\u003e crafts heartfelt stories that blend history and imagination, inviting readers young and old into rich, evocative worlds. Her works often draw on themes of courage, friendship, and the enduring power of memory, bringing life to moments both tender and triumphant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFrom whimsical tales like \u003cem\u003eBits of String too Short to Use\u003c\/em\u003e to moving narratives such as \u003cem\u003eThe Anzac Violin\u003c\/em\u003e, her books span children’s literature and memoir with a thoughtful, lyrical style that resonates long after the final page.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-christmas-caravan-by-jennifer-beck-9781869435899","title":"The Christmas Caravan","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe're so lucky to have this place, Simon's mother would say. The caravan may be small, but it's great to have our own home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhen Simon sees a competition in the newspaper for the best-decorated Christmas house, he is keen to enter it. His mother says she can't afford expensive lights and decorations, so Simon decides to decorate their caravan in his own way.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAward-winners Jennifer Beck and Robyn Belton have reunited to create an enchanting story about a child's ingenuity and the beauty that can be found in simplicity. \u003cem\u003eThe Christmas Caravan\u003c\/em\u003e is a stunningly beautiful and poignant story that has become a Christmas classic.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scholastic New Zealand Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46788395532524,"sku":"9781869435899","price":19.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/16400123482853.jpg?v=1756946384"},{"product_id":"the-anzac-violin-by-jennifer-beck-9781775433910","title":"The Anzac Violin","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore than 20 years after the publication of the classic NZ story, \u003cem\u003eThe Bantam and the Soldier\u003c\/em\u003e, Jennifer Beck and Robyn Belton have joined forces again to produce another heartwarming story from the First World War.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis time it’s the true story of Otago’s Alexander Aitken and the violin that travelled with him on his wartime journey, bringing music and solace to his fellow ANZACs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46803255230700,"sku":"9781775433910","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3211303482820.jpg?v=1757380268"},{"product_id":"the-bantam-and-the-soldier-by-jennifer-beck-9781775432074","title":"The Bantam and the Soldier","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt is wartime. In the midst of the fighting and devastation, an unusual friendship is formed. A delightful and poignant story that touches on humanity and unexpected friendship in times of war.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAt the heart of the story is a little bantam―a character children will instantly warm to. The talents of best-selling author Jennifer Beck and prize-winning illustrator Robyn Belton are beautifully combined in this poignant story of friendship and survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eThe Bantam and the Soldier\u003c\/em\u003e brings together their remarkable storytelling and illustrating skills in a tale that resonates with the themes of hope and compassion even in the darkest times.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Scholastic New Zealand Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46803260702956,"sku":"9781775432074","price":21.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3192943482820.jpg?v=1757380421"},{"product_id":"torty-and-the-soldier-by-jennifer-beck-9781775433651","title":"Torty and the Soldier","description":"","brand":"Scholastic New Zealand Limited","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46803322077420,"sku":"9781775433651","price":19.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/3208713482820.jpg?v=1757388625"},{"product_id":"whet-the-little-blue-duck-by-jennifer-beck-9781927305799","title":"Whet?, the Little Blue Duck","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDespite facing many dangers, \u003cem\u003eWhetū, the Little Blue Duck\u003c\/em\u003e has survived. He even helps a stranger lost in the mountains. But when his habitat is threatened, who will help save him?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis edition is published in English, Māori, and Pinyin in partnership with the organisers of New Zealand Chinese Language Week, which this year is being held from 25 September to 1 October.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46854295978220,"sku":"9781927305799","price":19.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/7c1a17eeab6bbcb322c0d9deb3e65c45.jpg?v=1759270714"},{"product_id":"bits-of-string-too-short-to-use-by-jennifer-beck-9780473678753","title":"Bits of String too Short to Use","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe author looks at her life as a series of ‘bits’, memorable episodes which, when joined together, form a pattern both fascinating and thought-provoking. From early life in an unusual rural community, she describes growing up in a large family with money troubles, limited educational opportunities, a lovable but somewhat eccentric father, and a determination to follow dreams. These led to early experiences as a teacher and extensive overseas travel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAs budget travel meant hitchhiking, risks were taken which led to being stranded north of the Arctic Circle, avoiding sunstroke on a lonely roadside in Greece, and later, travelling overland on an unreliable old bus from London to Sri Lanka. So many adventures, followed by new experiences back home.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThese include romance, weddings, a surprise pregnancy, and establishing a successful transport business from a phone in the kitchen. Not easy while breastfeeding a baby and trying to watch out for another young child while trucks reversed around the house. Being housebound in the 1960s led to extramural study towards completing a university degree, and a lifetime interest in collecting antiques and restoring furniture. Restoration was also an interest of husband Peter, who dismantled a historic vintage plane and stored it in bits under the house before eventually restoring it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eAfter giving birth to another two children in the 1980s, a new career as a writer for children and adults began, with many years of involvement in New Zealand’s literary scene. The memoir includes behind-the-scene encounters with writers such as Margaret Mahy, Fiona Kidman, and Dorothy Butler. Despite the traumatic loss of several loved family members and the challenges of ageing, this love of writing has continued, culminating in this memoir.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eBits of String too Short to Use\u003c\/em\u003e by Jennifer Beck showcases a remarkable life journey woven together by vivid anecdotes and enduring passions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47900290908396,"sku":"9780473678753","price":40.0,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4eef52af604f63ed432266159be7d2fd.jpg?v=1783400397"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.live\/collections\/jennifer-beck.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}